Acoustic Amp Buying Guide for Practice and Songwriting

Acoustic Amps for Practice and Songwriting FAQs

What makes an acoustic combo amp good for practice and songwriting?

Lower wattage (under 50 watts) and helpful extras like a built-in tuner, effects, and recording connections make these acoustic combo amps the best solutions for home use.

Can I plug vocal microphones into an acoustic combo amp?

Yes, some acoustic amplifiers have an XLR or 1/4-inch TRS connection for microphones. If you want to use condenser microphones, look for an acoustic combo amp that can provide +48V phantom power.

How many watts is too loud for home use?

Generally, acoustic combo amps 30 watts and under have an appropriate volume range for home use. You can also look for an acoustic amp with a headphone output and speaker-defeat option for quiet sessions.

Can I just use an electric guitar amplifier for my acoustic-electric guitar?

No, you will not accurately reproduce the sound of your acoustic-electric guitar with an electric guitar amp. Acoustic combo amps are designed for the wider frequency response and dynamic range of acoustic instruments, while an electric guitar amplifier acts as a bandpass filter for your acoustic tone while also reducing dynamic range.

How do I use my acoustic combo amplifier to record?

If your acoustic combo has a USB output for recording, you can connect it directly to your computer to record into DAW software or recording apps. If your acoustic combo has an XLR or TRS direct output, you can connect this directly to a recording interface or multitrack recorder.

Do I need Bluetooth on my acoustic amplifier?

Bluetooth is convenient for wirelessly streaming backing tracks to play along with, and for using learning apps for practice sessions. Most acoustic combo amps will feature a 1/8-inch aux input for portable devices too, so it’s up to you whether you need Bluetooth for home practice use.

What if I eventually want to gig out? Can I use the same acoustic amp for home and stage?

Yes you can: to help prepare for the unknown, look for an acoustic combo amp in the 30W–50W range that also has DI outputs. You’ll be able to be heard on most small stages, you’ll have the option to connect direct to the sound system, and you’ll still be able to keep the volume down at home.

Best Acoustic Amps for Practice and Songwriting

These acoustic amps are ideal for jamming at home and writing new tunes. Whether you’re looking for simple and accurate acoustic amplification, built-in effects to experiment with, or a streamlined recording solution, one of these amps is sure to meet your needs.

Feature	Yamaha THR30 II A$649.99View at Sweetwater	BOSS AC-22 LX$479.99View at Sweetwater	VOX VX50AG$339.99View at Sweetwater	Fender Acoustasonic 40$299.95View at Sweetwater
Channels	1	2	2	2
Watts	30W	10W	50W	40W
Speakers	2 x 3.5-in	2 x 5-in	1 x 8-in	2 x 6.5-in
Headphone Out	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Built-in Effects	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
USB Interface	Yes	Yes	No	No
Bluetooth	Yes	No	No	No
Tuner	Yes	No	No	No
Weight	9.7 lbs	8.9 lbs	9 lbs	16.5 lbs

Feature	Fishman Loudbox Micro$289.95View at Sweetwater	Positive Grid Spark 2$279.00View at Sweetwater	Blackstar Acoustic:Core 30$249.99View at Sweetwater	Fender Acoustasonic 15159.99View at Sweetwater
Channels	2	1	2	2
Watts	40W	50W	30W	15W
Speakers	1 x 5.25-in	2 x 4-in	2 x 5-in	1 x 6-in
Headphone Out	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Built-in Effects	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
USB Interface	No	Yes	Yes	No
Bluetooth	No	Yes	No	No
Tuner	No	Yes	No	No
Weight	9.1 lbs	12.1 lbs	16 lbs	10.5 lbs

For basic home use, practically any acoustic amp will allow you to plug in and enjoy your guitar. If you want an acoustic amp that can be used for vocal practice too, look for an acoustic combo with a mic input. Make practice sessions more fun and productive with an acoustic combo with built-in effects and Bluetooth for music streaming. If you want a streamlined recording solution for using DAW software, choose an acoustic amp with a built-in USB interface.